The US Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) is a three-part exam for doctors who want to get their medical license in the US. USMLE is supervised by two organizations: the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) and the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME).
- The USMLE Step 2 exam included a “Clinical Skills” (CS) portion called “USMLE Step 2 Clinical Skills”, which was discontinued during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The number of Attempts for the USMLE exam was reduced from six to four for each USMLE Step.
- The Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA) and the American Podiatric Medical Licensing Examination (APMLE) are similar exams to the USMLE, and they are required for osteopathic and podiatric physicians in the United States.
USMLE exam dates are not similar to other exams. Instead, when students sign up, they get to choose the time slot when they want to take the exam. This time slot is called the “USMLE eligibility period”. Students can pick the eligibility period for the USMLE 2024 test dates on usmle.org.
The USMLE was established in the early 1990s. It replaced previous exams like the NBME Part Examination and the FSMB's Federation Licensing Examination (FLEX). USMLE was initially a paper-based exam. It then transformed into an online exam in 1999. On February 12, 2020, USMLE announced changes including a shift to a pass/fail model by 2022.
USMLE: Tests Overview
- USMLE Step 1: The first step is a one-day test. It usually takes place at the end of the second year of medical school. It focuses on basic science knowledge. Covering things like anatomy, biochemistry, behavior science, germs, the immune system, diseases, drugs, and how the body works. It also has topics like nutrition, genetics, and aging. The test only has multiple-choice questions.
- USMLE Step 2: Step 2 is a test that usually takes place during the fourth year of medical college. It consists of two parts. The first part is Clinical Knowledge (CK). It consists of answering MCQs related to clinical fields such as surgery, internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics, and gynecology. The second part is Clinical Skills (CS). It involves assessing and diagnosing individuals acting as patients. For the Step 2 CS, students need to visit one of five testing centers across the country. However, the USMLE CS part is now discontinued during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- USMLE Step 3: The two-day Step 3 exam is typically taken after the first year of residency in the US. This is the last test that determines suitability for independent practice of general medicine. Similar to Step 2, Step 3 concerns patient diagnosis and care. It includes computer simulations of patient care and multiple-choice questions.
USMLE Important Documents
There are not many documents that one would need to appear in USMLE exam. The required documents are listed below:
- USMLE scheduling permission
- A valid photo ID from the government, preferably a passport
USMLE Exam Dates
Information of exam dates for each Steps are given below.
USMLE Step 1 Exam Dates 2024:
The USMLE Step 1 exam in 2024 starts with the registration process, which begins after students enroll in a medical college listed in the World Directory of Medical Colleges. Choosing when to take the exam is flexible and depends on the candidate. Many students wants to schedule their Step 1 dates after completing their second year of study. However, it's essential to ensure that the chosen date falls within the eligibility period allowed for taking the exam.
USMLE Step 2 Exam Dates 2024:
For the USMLE Step 2 exam in 2024, candidates can attempt it between their third and fourth years of medical College. However, this time can vary depending on the results of Step 1, whether the candidate passed or failed. Similar to Step 1, there's no fixed schedule for Step 2 exam dates. Candidates need to first select a three-month eligibility period and then choose their specific exam date within that period.
USMLE Step 3 Exam Dates 2024:
The USMLE Step 3 exam doesn't have a set timeline either. It spans over two days and requires candidates to choose a three-month eligibility period before selecting their exam date. Since Step 3 is held in the USA, candidates need to be cautious when booking their test dates. It's advisable to consider the busiest testing times, typically from May to July and November to December, when scheduling Step 3 dates.
Candidates have the option to change their USMLE test dates within the given eligibility period. If you make the change before or on the 46th day before the exam date, there won't be any extra charge. However, if you reschedule on the 45th day or closer to the test, you'll need to pay a rescheduling fee, which ranges from $35 to $396 depending on the test type and when you make the change.
USMLE exam Eligibility Period
The eligibility period lasts for three months. When you sign up for the USMLE Step 1, Step 2, or Step 3 exams, you'll see a list of these three-month periods running from January to December. You can choose whichever three-month period works best for you to take the test.
Here are some examples of eligibility periods for the USMLE Step 1 exam dates in 2024:
- January 01, 2024, to March 01, 2024
- March 01, 2024, to May 01, 2024
- May 01, 2024, to July 01, 2024
If you don't see a three-month period that works for you when you register, you can wait until the one you want shows up. Usually, new periods become available in September every year. Since test centers and dates are given out on a first-come, first-served basis, it's a good idea to book your exam early during the eligibility period. This way, you'll have more options and it'll be easier to change your exam date if needed.
How to Choose USMLE Exam Dates?
Depending on the rules for who can take the USMLE, students can sign up for their exam dates either through ECFMG or FSMB. If you're an international student, like from India, or if you're studying outside the USA or Canada, you'll usually apply through ECFMG.
Here's a simpler breakdown:
- If you're from the US or Canada and went to a medical college there, you'll usually apply through NBME.
- If you're from outside the US or Canada, like from India, or if you studied medicine outside these countries, you'll usually apply through ECFMG for Steps 1 and 2.
- For Step 3, no matter where you're from or where you studied, everyone has to apply through FSMB.
USMLE Marking Pattern
In the Step 2 CS, you don't receive a numerical score. Instead, you're marked as either "pass" or "fail" based on how well you gather information, communicate with patients, and write reports effectively.
For the other sections of the test, your number of correct answers is converted into two scores: one on a three-digit scale and the other on a two-digit scale. These scores convey the same result differently. To pass, you need to achieve a score of 75 on the two-digit scale.
Even though your medical school education equips you with many necessary skills and knowledge for the USMLE, you'll likely spend considerable time preparing for each stage of the test.
Extension for USMLE Eligibility Period
If you can't take the USMLE exam during the time you registered for, you can ask for a one-time extension. This extension can't overlap with the time you were already supposed to take the test. You're allowed to request an extension once for each USMLE exam registration.
You can only ask for this extension after your original test period has started. And you need to finish the extension request process before the deadline for that test period. It's important to know that asking for an extension doesn't cancel your original test date.
If you want to extend both Step 1 and Step 2 at the same time, you have to finish the extension request before the earlier deadline of the two. For example, if Step 1's deadline is in August and Step 2's is in September, you need to ask for the extension by the August deadline.
If you miss your original or extended test dates, you'll have to apply for the USMLE again to take the test.
USMLE Exam Fee 2024
| Step | Exam Fees | International Test Delivery Surcharge |
|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | USD 1000 | USD 195 |
| Step 2 CK | USD 1000 | USD 220 |
| Step 3 | USD 925 | - |
Here international test delivery surcharge is for international students who attempt the test from outside the USA or Canada.
USMLE Exam Centres in India
One can attempt the exam at USMLE test centers on the exam date after completing the registration process successfully. The following is a list of all the USMLE Prometric test centers in India, broken down by region.
| Region | Exam Centre |
|---|---|
| New Delhi | Prometric Testing Pvt. Ltd., 2nd Floor, DLF Infinity Tower A, Gurgaon 122 002 |
| Kolkata | Prometric Testing Pvt. Ltd., Flat 1/C Sukh Sagar Building, 2/5 Sarat Bose Rd, Kolkata 7000 020 |
| Chennai | Prometric Testing Pvt. Ltd., No. 15/7, 2nd Floor, Jagannathan Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai 600 034 |
| Mumbai | Marwa House, Saki Vihar Road, Sakinaka, Andheri (E), Mumbai 400 072 United States Education Foundation in India, 4-New Marine Lines, Mumbai 400 020 |
| Hyderabad | Prometric Testing Pvt. Ltd., Avenue 1, Street 20, Plot 1672, Road 12, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad 500 034 |
| Ahmedabad | Prometric Testing Pvt. Ltd., 301-302 Abhijeet II, Mitha Khali Six Roads, Ellis Bridge, Ahmedabad 380 006 |
| Bangalore | Prometric Testing Pvt. Ltd., Maini Sadan, First floor, No. 38, Lavelle Road, 7th Cross Rd, Bangalore 560 001 |
| Allahabad | Institute of Psychological and Educational Measurement, 119, 25-A, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Civil Lines, Allahabad 211 001 |
USMLE Exam: FAQs
Ques: How many times can you take the USMLE exam in a year?
Ans: Candidates are allowed four attempts at each USMLE Step. They can register up to three times in a year, with the fourth attempt possible only after 12 months from the initial try and at least six months from the latest attempt.
Ques: How much does the USMLE exam cost in total?
Ans: Here are the fees for each USMLE step in 2024:
- USMLE Step 1: $1000
- USMLE Step 2: $1000
- USMLE Step 3: $925
Additionally, international candidates taking Step 1 & Step 2 exams outside the US or Canada also need to pay extra charges for international test delivery: $195 for Step 1 and $220 for Step 2 CK.
Ques: How can I apply for USMLE from India?
Ans: To apply for the USMLE from India, you can register for the USMLE exam 2024 using the official registration portal. You apply through the ECFMG for USMLE Step 1, and Step 2 CK. You apply through the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) for Step 3.
Ques: In which countries is USMLE valid?
Ans: Medical licensing authorities in the United States, Israel, New Zealand, the UAE, and Qatar recognize and accept the USMLE program. Candidates who achieve USMLE scores in these countries are often exempted from fulfilling additional eligibility criteria.
Ques: Can Indian doctors work in USA without USMLE?
Ans: No, to apply for residency in the USA as a foreign medical graduate, passing the USMLE exam is mandatory. Completing all four tests in the USMLE sequence is necessary to obtain a medical license for practicing in the United States
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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